Chivas USA boasts such Mexican veterans as Ramirez and Zuniga, Mexican up-and-comers such as forwards Isaac Romo and Alonso Sandoval, Mexican-Americans Torres, a forward, and midfielder Francisco Gomez, plus American-as-apple-pie guys Matt Taylor, a forward, goalkeeper Brad Guzan, and former Galaxy fan favorite Ezra Hendrickson, a defender from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Because the younger Mexican players have signed contracts with MLS, they cannot be plucked from the Chivas USA roster and be "called up" by Guadalajara.
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The record book will show that Sandoval scored the first goal in Chivas USA history, a blast from the left wing at the 42-minute mark against Los Cachorros, set up by cross-field passes from Romo and Torres.
"Growing up [in Wilmington], Cruz Azul and America were the two favorite teams in my house," Torres said. "So this is a big adjustment for my family.
"When we play the Galaxy, that will be the new clasico."
Sandoval scored in front of Vasquez and Ortiz, both of whom were seated on the other side of the fence behind the net.
And both were among the throng of youngsters who flooded the field at the final whistle with jerseys, balls, T-shirts, anything for the players to sign.
As Coach Thomas Rongen gave a post-match briefing, children formed a semicircle around the club, clutching any writing utensil they could find. Minutes later, as Armando Bejines received a post-match massage, he signed autographs.
Chivas USA officials hope for a similar scene today at the Home Depot Center when the club is officially presented to the Southland's fan base in festivities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Armando Alonzo, a fan from Cocula, seemed sorely out of place that day, though, as he proudly sported an Atlas jersey.
"My children are Chivas fans, not me," he said.
"It took a lot of negotiating for me to bring them here to see Chivas."
The negotiating for Mexican hearts and minds by Chivas USA is already well underway.
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A CHIVAS USA PRIMER
A collection of Chivas USA firsts:
* First crossover: Ramon Ramirez, the revered Chivas and Mexican national team defensive midfielder, who became the first "name" player assigned to Chivas USA.
* First expansion draft pick: Arturo Torres, a forward who became the first former Galaxy player on the Chivas USA roster.
* First college draft pick: Brad Guzan, a 6-foot-4 goalkeeper from South Carolina, who will push veteran Martin Zuniga for playing time.
* First MLS game: April 2 against defending league champion D.C. United at the Home Depot Center.
